Clinical Stage 3 Day 16,17,18, 19, 20 & 21

Oh yes I do believe this post = to 6 days of clinical,
Its not that I have nothing to blog about,
Its really all to do with that darn portfolio!
Don't worry I will get it done:)!
Here we go...
*****
Day 16, Thursday 8th October
***
Looks like this day will be a short one,
Can't remember too much.
Ah well.
***
There was a new staff,
Julia,
That came today,
It was her second day of Orientation.
So Kay was too busy with her most of the day!
***
Had a walk for the first LSP,
Which was a good relaxing walk as usual.
***
After that the next LSP was going to the museum to have a look around,
They has some science fair stuff,
Had some fun playing with the stuff with 2 of the residents.
***
After that I managed to get my 5th holistic assessment done,
Which is always good!
6 times of crapping isn't fun:p!
haha.
***
Went for the third LSP,
which was touch!
***
Had a 4 on 4 match,
Which my team somehow sneaked a win!
Always fun to do activities with the guys!
***
After that I did the gathering of some information,
For the teaching session I was going to conduct the next day.
***
Had a meeting with our clinical lecturer,
Plus Talia and Katie,
At Youth.
***
As usual I ended up listening lots,
Listening to all the exciting stuff ,
That Talia and Katie did at Youth together,
Which was so good to hear for Katie!
***
I didn't say much though,
I am having a great time at clinical!
Its just that I am no story teller,
I don't want to tell people unless they are really interested!
***
Another good day at clinical!
Thank God:)!
*****
Day 17, Friday 9th October
***
Morning there were no LSP's,
Because Sam called in for a "mental health day".
Plus it was raining quite a bit
***
I skipped the second LSP,
Only because I had to prepare for my teaching session.
***
Plus I was taught by Theresa,
How to write up a blister pack of medications!
She is just such a lovely women,
Always ready with that lovely smile of her's!
***
I don't know why,
But I feel like I have met her before.
Ah well,
I like everyone at my placement:)!
***
The "teaching" session was good,
She taught me,
Much more than I taught her
***
I just felt that I wasn't in a place to teach her!
She had the health concern,
And even had family history about it,
So I thought that she telling me stuff,
Was going to be way better,
Than me "teaching" her stuff she already knew!
***
Managed to do my final holistic assessment on her!
Which killed 3 birds with one stone,
Because I also did my MDT thing on her!
I really Thank God for helping me,
To get that all done eh!
***
Arranged with the Team leader,
For me to have some time to do my MDT presentation,
During the Team Meeting,
On the next Wednesday!
So happy to sort that out quick!
***
Went op shopping for the 3rd LSP,
Which is shopping at second hand shops,
Like Salvation army and stuff.
***
I bought myself a painting!
Well at least a reprint of one!
Slightly bigger than my small one,
Lots of detail though!
Which I love!
***
Its a picture of a cricket game being played,
And watched by some people on a park bench.
Its title is:
CRICKET IN THE PARK
(BOTHERWICK, HAMPSHIRE)
BY
Terry Harrison.
I like it:)!
***
After that i stayed back over time,
To make sure I got all the information I needed,
For my MDT presentation,
Plus all the information I needed,
To complete the Holistic assessment stuff as well.
***
Managed to get loads done,
And to get back on track!
Thank God really for all His blessings!
*****
Day 18, Tuesday 13th October
***
Had group poster presentation on Monday,
Plus WH exam preparations,
Where I managed to acquire some good notes again:)!
THANK YOU GOD!!!
***
The presentation was ok,
I was just so flustered for some reason,
I did it somehow!
Though I was very nervous though!
I really hate feeling that way!
Anyway I got through it!
So Thank God once again:)!
***
We went to Rapaki Rock for All day group again!
To rock climb of course:)!
***
This time everyone went up at the same time,
And some of us went up,
to help Paul set up the climbs.
Including me:p!
Very heavy bag to carry though!
***
One client decided to walk all the way back though,
He felt like he was forced to go,
And was angry!
Well in the end he still had to walk!
And quite a big distance,
If I may add!
***
We set up different climbs though,
Because there was another group there that day.
***
Had a good time again,
Most of the residents attempted going up,
Some unexpected people even managed to get near the top!
***
Sophea did push himself too much,
Wants to conserve energy for exams.
Haha.
***
I managed to get up quite far up!
About 2/3 to 3/4 way up?
And it was a harder climb then the week before!
No joke:p!
Which really made me glad,
Because I had to struggle past 1/2 tough spots!
***
I still really love rock climbing :)!
And had a great time!
Thank you God for a good and safe day of rock climbing;)!
*****
Day 19, Wednesday 14th October
***
Wednesday was the day I was to present my client to the MDT,
Which was to be done during the team meeting,
Which they have every other Wednesday.
***
I was very nervous about it,
Yet also very confident,
Because I knew,
And liked these people very much.
***
I went early so as the check up some notes,
And so as to be relaxed.
***
While reading the notes,
A client rang the bell,
And asked to talk to staff,
But they were all busy having supervision,
And the client also looked very distressed!
***
I tried to talk to her,
But I didn't know what to say,
Or ask.
***
So I just stood there and let her cry,
Standing there if she needed anything,
Remembering not to offer her tissue,
Because that says,
"Crying is bad!"
***
Really felt helpless,
And just didn't know what to do,
But I knew that the client could be all messed up one moment,
And fine the next.
So I left it at that.
***
Well onto the main office,
For the team meeting
***
Nel said she would make me wait for a long time,
And that I did,
They did celebrations,
And talked about everything on the agenda,
Before it came to my turn.
***
Which was quite a nerve racking wait,
But I tried to stay calm,
And cool.
***
I decided I was going to be honest,
Just said why I was doing it,
And stated I was willing to take questions,
And that I have no promises,
That I will be able to answer the questions.
***
So i just read off my piece of paper,
And did what was required,
They had a few questions,
Which I answered with tonnes of help from Kay.
***
It was good to get it out of the way,
And everyone was so nice about it!
Even though I think I only did ok.
***
After that we had a mini farewell celebration,
One staff was leaving,
It so nice how they have these,
For all their staff!
They really love celebrations!
***
The rest of the pm shift was doing some stuff,
Help residents cook tea,
Then practice filling medication dossett boxes,
And writing that an blister pack medications up,
In the medication file.
***
The defining moment of the night,
Was when a client which creates music tracks,
Whom I promised and wanted to listen to,
Let me listen to his track when I went over to his flat.
***
It was a real sense of connection eh!
And he actually did a good job I think.
Not saying that I am a pro at judging these things,
But it was definitely good!
***
His music track,
Was also very relaxing.
***
Another good day!
Thank God for getting me through that day:)!!!
*****
Day 20, Thursday 15th October
***
Went to school before hand to get work done,
Which wasn't as fruitful as I had hoped,
But at least I got some portfolio work done!
***
Had Indian curry for lunch!
Yum!
But very filling!
***
Bought sushi for dinner,
And left to get to placement earlier,
I planned to come earlier,
And so leave earlier too.
***
The LSP I joined in was table tennis,
It was ok,
I wanted a good match.
***
Not saying they are lousy,
But Chris is actually quite good at table tennis!
***
Eventually found someone with some skill,
But he was tired,
So we just had a hit around for awhile!
***
After that just played doubles for fun,
Which was all good:)!
***
After that back to shift,
And off to town for a client's interview with Catapult!
***
Catapult is really good eh!
Helps people get back on their feet!
Plus introduces people to PEEP if they wanted,
I think the client was happy with the outcome.
***
Helped people with tea again,
After that.
Which is fine,
Because I get to learn some stuff about cooking too!
***
After that it was quite a rush,
We had to pick up a client to do his flat's shopping,
Plus bring a resident to the hospital,
Because she wasn't feel well,
And her potassium levels were low!
***
It was so weird following this resident to her flat,
Because I had to make sure she didn't purge her meds,
It reminded me of the time I had to help,
A church mate move out of her house.
I kind of like that kind of excitement.
***
After that rush to get the resident,
Who was doing the grocery shopping
***
As usual I took a long time with the resident,
Firstly because I am a slow shopper,
I am inexperienced,
I am not too familiar with the super market,
And I also didn't want to stress the resident out,
As he suffered from high anxiety.
***
Anyway it was a great time spent with the resident,
And my nurse said it was nice to see us cruising around the supermarket,
And that we should have taken a photo.
***
My nurse once again being very encouraging,
Told me all the good feedback she was getting from the clients.
Which was real good to hear:)!
***
Overall another good day:)!
Thank God so much for making this time such a good experience!
God really loves to answer our prayers!
We really just have to ask!
*****
Day 21, Friday 16th October
***
Friday pm Shifts are usually quite quiet,
No cooking duty,
So I did some work before my tutor came.
***
Had a meeting with my tutor,
And Katie was there too.
It was a time of venting for Katie,
She really has had a bad clinical experience.
***
I feel really sad that a non-Christian has to face this,
I know Christian's aren't perfect,
But sometimes I wish we automatically were!
***
Managed to tick off more portfolio work!
Which was good:)!
***
Only had these things left:
2 Holistic assessments,
2 reflections,
Annotated bibliography,
And Group teaching session left!
***
Woot!
Not too far behind stuff as I thought I would be!
But with that comes complacency!
***
Anyway after that I had a quick dinner,
Because I was going to be Malcolm's partner,
For games night!
***
Oh I took the opportunity to do my group session before that,
Teaching some clients how to play Cranium for games night;)!
So one less thing on my list to do:p!
***
Games night was 3 hours plus!
And I really think the residents had a great time:)!
One of the residents made some scorns,
From scratch if I may add,
Which were really good!
***
In the end Malcolm and me won!
Haha,
Which came back to catch up with a team that was quite far ahead!
Another great night,
Which as you noticed,
I won't go into that much detail!
***
All you need to know is that we had great fun!
Thank God for the great time again!
Thank God for the great week:)!
I pray I will continue to have a great time,
In the remaining 2 weeks of clinical!
And that I will get my portfolio done on time:)!
I pray that I will be able to do well in my exams as well!
I just lift the remaining 3 weeks of school into God's hand!
May He bless me greatly those weeks,
So that I will be able to bless others greatly!
In Jesus's name I pray,
Amen!
***
There is 6 days of clinical for you!
Over and out!

Clinical Stage 3 Day 11,12,13, 14 & 15

Oh yes its a 5 day update!
I have been lazy over the weekend!
Plus busy after that catching up on work I should have done over the weekend,
How typical of me!
hehe.
So here goes!
*****
Day 11, Wednesday 30th September
***
Was not on my A game that day eh,
Was real tired from the tramp the day before,
Really was more tiring than I thought it would be!
***
Still I soldiered on!
***
First was a team meeting early at 1.30pm
Which I reached early,
So I helped set up as usual.
***
They had their meeting stuff,
And had celebrations for Nel's Birthday.
Plus celebration for how Steve, Kay, Jacqui handled the week Nel was away.
It was all good having good food;)!
***
Kelley pulled me to go to Mobile Medications Service,
Which was quite interesting!
And actually quite an easy job,
But I guess I had a quite run,
So I didn't see what could go messy!
***
Some of the clients for MMS,
Their houses were real messy!
And council flats really are just bad stuff.
Comcare one's are way better looking!
***
It was great getting to know Kelley though:)!
Even though I was cold the whole time,
And found out I had a fever towards the end,
I still soldiered on anyway!
***
I think My fever was due to over heating,
After the previous days tramp!
Well Panadol really helped!
***
My stomach was real gassy too!
Not a good thing!
*****
Day 12, Thursday 1st October
***
First things first did my clinical formative assessment form with Kay,
Which was good,
She always is encouraging,
And she practically agreed with everything I said,
So either I have become at estimating myself,
Or she wasn't sure herself!
haha.
***
But it was good to go through everything with her,
She really is encouraging!
Which is always a good thing,
I mean even if she is trying to say something bad,
At least she is saying it in a good way!
***
Helped M cook a meal,
He did most of the work as usual,
But I think it turned out good in the end.
***
Managed to do my 3rd assessment interview,
I didn't even have to ask this time!
C just asked me if I had any assessments to do,
And there you go,
3rd interview done:)!
***
Went out grocery shopping with T.
I think I was as confused as him in the supermarket.
We were all over the shop!
haha.
***
It was fun though!
And funny:p!
And I think he was pleased too;)!
***
Oh and if you are wondering why I write names in letters,
Its client confidentiality stuff.
*****
Day 13, Friday 2nd October
***
One of the clients refused to go back to the hospital,
So the Duly Authorized Officer was going to take her in,
Which means police would be called in to make sure she didn' t run.
***
I though she would run,
But police have more of an effect on people than we know,
And she went calmly,
But it was interesting to watch a DA-O anyway.
***
Clinical Lecturer came,
And so we,
The group became 3 this week,
talked about stuff as usual.
***
I sometimes don't feel fit to be a nurse,
My peers always talk so nurse like,
Ah well.
***
Didn't do much the rest of the evening,
just a tour,
And a chat one of the clients flats,
Then back for a game of scrabble,
Which I suck at,
And I came in 3rd out of 4th.
Ah well.
***
Still very gassy,
I have my suspicions,
But i hope its not that!
*****
Day 14, Tuesday 6th October
***
Went to do outdoor rock climbing on this day!
Was really in the I give up mode even before I reached placement.
***
Paul's explaination changed everything though,
It sort of gave some hope of doing it,
Like the fact that he made us only do the lower levels.
***
We got there,
But it was bloody cold at the waiting point!
Its unbelievable how cold wind can be,
It was like fine without the wind,
But with it,
It was like freezing temperature!
***
Paul took some time setting up,
Because another group was there doing climbs,
Clients were starting to get restless!
***
After he did get ready,
One client really wanted to go to the toilet,
And after that a whole avalanche of clients went along.
Causing havoc to the locked van policy.
***
That aside I think the rest had a great time,
4 people made it up to the top of the climbs!
Even Marilyn whom I honestly didn't think could make it,
Not because of how she looked or anything,
But the way she sent out a signal like,
"I didn't really do this before" feeling.
***
She did do indoor climbing before,
So I guess that was indicator enough!
I should listen to facts more than my gut!
Lol
***
I made it about half or a third way up.
Definitely could have gone higher!!!
But I got myself stuck in a route that didn't work!
Should have tried again!!
Ah well,
I am just happy I made it up that far in the first place!
***
I understand why people like rock climbing now!
Its all about the tactics and the accomplishment of getting all the way up,
Or even just getting past your goal!
I so want to at least beat my previous distance next time round!
***
Overall I think it was a great time for the guys that at least tried!
Even those that were there to just to help!
Great stuff!
I am so loving outdoor rock climbing!
Well at least the easier standard for now,
Because I can actually get up that cliff/wall/whatever you want to call it!
***
Oh oh oh Grace is going to have a baby girl!!!
So exciting!
I am so visiting her when the baby is out:p!
*****
Day 15, Wednesday 7th October
***
The day started with chores,
Really got a big chore,
The cleaning up of the dinning area and hallway,
Plus sweeping the deck!
***
Real hard work eh!
But its all good,
A good time to show the residents your willing to put your back into it;)!
Good time to talk to residents too!
***
Rest of the day was mostly trying to do work!
Managed to do my MDT member interview thing,
Plus another Holistic assessment interview done!
***
Nothing much else happened!
But it was all good.
***
Sophea's wife and child were ok!
Thank God!
And Thank God for all He has helped me do so far!
Thank God for such a good time I am having!
I pray that I continue to have a great time!
I pray that I continue to learn lots!
And I pray that I will complete that portfolio somehow!
In Jesus name I pray!
Amen!
***
Over and out peeps!

Clinical Stage 3 Day 8, 9 & 10

Again its a combined post for clinical updates.
Just been really busy really,
And if i bother to blog everyday,
I might as well not sleep!
Here goes.
*****
Day 8, Thursday 24th September
***
Kaye(the nurse I shadow) wasn't going to be around much,
So It was a day for me to do work.
***
First went on the first activity of the day,
Which was walking around the the area.
Always a good time to talk to clients,
And good exercise for myself.
***
While waiting for the 2nd activity,
I managed to do my second interview!!!
Did it with T,
I really like him eh,
We may have been friends in a different situation,
Actually I may have been friends with many of the clients in different situations.
***
Skipped the 2nd activity because they decided to go to the mall,
So I started to do some work,
Ended up answering lots of calls,
And helping Jenny TRY and wake up one of the clients,
Because she was unresponsive,
So we had to make sure she was ok,
We ended up calling the ambulance,
Who managed to wake her up with a sternum rub!
(We tried pinching her ear lob and poking the flesh in between you fingers.)
$50 bucks gone down the drain.
***
Went to the last group of the day after that,
Which was playing pool.
I will say that I can pull off decent shots,
BUT not all the time,
Or enough of the time to be good.
It was fun though.
***
Sam(programme facilitator) made a racist joke,
Which Sophea wasn't happy about.
I laughed along,
Because I really found it funny,
And because I am not ticked off by jokes.
I guess it depends on how,
And why it was said though.
***
Wanted to do more work before I left,
But Sophea ended up lecturing Sam about the joke,
Sophea was real angry eh.
But I respect him for sticking with his guns.
***
Had a meeting with Sharyn,
Talia,
And Katie.
They talked a lot about their placement,
And a lot of other things...
So I finished extra late even though I was on am shift.
***
Also found out I had to do a clinical daily dairy thing for the portfolio,
What a pain when I already do it myself,
Even more a pain because I have to make up stuff...
***
Sophea and Steve were cooking something special that day,
And I wanted to join in,
But Katie offered me a lift,
And so I ran off quickly,
Oh well...
***
On to the next day...
*****
Day 9, Friday 25th September
***
Kaye had a great day planned for me today,
A visit to North & South Sector base,
And a trip to Hillmorton Hopital!
***
Missed morning trip,
Because of the trip to the sector base for one of the new clients psychiatry interview.
***
It was interesting to see another member of the MDT do an interview,
He just did the interview without a sheet to refer too,
And many questions were very similar to the ones I have on my prompt sheet.
***
The Psychiatrist wasn't a Christian though,
Just the way he talked about the Bible,
And the "words speaking to you".
But I may be very wrong:p!
***
Went out for lunch with Sam and Sophea,
To dumplings in down,
Along Cashel Street.
A "cheap" place,
But I bought "expensive" food.
***
It was nice food though,
And I don't really care if they service is good or not,
I just want good(or at least decent) food.
Not TOO fussy about food eh.
***
It was nice to hang with the "bro's" though,
Sophea really makes Sam think very "deeply".
Which is very interesting to listen to.
***
After lunch Kaye brought me to Hillmorton,
To "drop" of an ex-clients stuff.
He was in the locked unit in Pipiri.
***
It was scary eh,
I really don't think I would like working there,
I seriously felt like running out of there!
***
It was like all my senses were telling me of danger,
Like a sixth sense shouting out to run for safety!
Like in anime were you could feel "killer intent".
LOL.
***
I think it was very spiritual too,
Very oppressive,
Very similar to the army feeling,
But worse.
***
As I told Chris,
It was like a step down from prison.
***
If mental heath is that,
Sorry I don't want to do that,
Its just not where my heart is,
And I rather not feel oppressed...
***
It was a great experience though!
*****
Day 10, Tuesday 29th September
***
All day trip today!
Sophea was going to be there:)!
***
Came early as usual,
But the thought of a decent sleep in made up for the 6hrs of disturbed sleep I got.
***
We were going to Mt Grey,
Which was about an hour plus away from AR(Adult residential).
It was out of Christchurch,
And about 15-20 minutes away from Amberley.
***
2 full van loads went,
And we slowly went up.
We were tracking up the 4WD track.
***
About 4 residents decided not to go up any further,
And headed back,
After about 15 minutes of tracking.
Not good for morale,
And for keeping track of where people were.
***
Thankfully we continued up the track with everyone else,
We took breaks and stuff,
But after about an hour or 2 of tracking,
We reached the destination!
***
It was so beautiful from the observation post!
South Alps to the right,
Canterbury plains in the middle,
And the Ocean to the left.
***
Too bad no camera!
At least I had floss bread!
And that was pleasing:p!
***
Had a track down the walking track,
Which wasn't maintained since 2004,
So it was quite dangerous.
***
The scrubs was irritating to track through,
Keep being pushed to one side by the overgrown scrub.
Slipped many times!
But thank God for no falls(for me:p)!
***
The tramping under the pines was no better,
Not well kept pathways,
And steep slippery slopes.
***
We were almost down,
And there were no falls or anything.
However one of the clients slipped on a steep slope,
And,
Thankfully,
Only sprained his ankle.
***
He was told to tighten his boot lace,
And use a stick to help him the rest of the way.
Thankfully we were only about 5 minutes away from the vans.
***
He was bandaged up,
And should be fine.
Just needs a check up from the doctor!
***
Got back and fell asleep on the way back,
Real tired eh.
Tramping up hill is more tiring than one thinks,
Even after you reach the top and feel fine!
***
Got back and helped to write notes for those on monitor,
A great learning experience eh!
Need to do it more to learn how to right nursing notes PROPERLY!
Thank God Kelley was there to instruct me,
And counter sign for me!
If not I would wrote blindly,
And may end up in trouble if something went wrong...
***
A good day I will say:)!
***
Very tired now;p!
***
Over and out!

Clinical Stage 3 Day 5, 6 & 7

Yes I know I am 3 posts behind,
Just lazy and tired are my 2 excuses.
So I will do summaries
Hope that does justice to what has happened
*****
Day 5, Friday 18th September
***
It was another pm shift,
Went there earlier this time round,
So as to go to Barrington Mall,
To each sushi for lunch.
***
Had a meeting with my clinical mates and lecturer,
Katie was real upset about how her placement was going,
Even felt like quiting nursing.
***
After hearing her story,
I totally agreed,
I hope she gets to change,
Or that things will improve.
***
We had a meeting and all discussed how we felt,
Katie had her Drug Cals resit,
Just general end of the week chatter,
And all at my placement venue;)!
***
Katie stayed behind to wait for MMS,
Or Mobile Medications Service,
So we had a good catch about stuff,
And a chance to get to know each other;)!
***
Needed to go and do other things though,
Which i cant remember now,
But didn't do much after that,
Just hanged out with the clients and watched some Starship Galactica.
***
Katie came back and we talked a little bit more,
Hopeful she knows that we are her friends too(at least I am) ,
And that if there is anything she can talk to us.
***
I thank God for the great first week He gave me:)!
***
New People I met that day: Margret, a reliever
*****
Day 6, Tuesday 22nd September
***
Had good news On Monday,
Passed my WH and got 80!
So aced it out of no where:)!
Thank God;)!
***
Hannah beat me with an 86!
And the top person was 90.
Everyone at least,
at minimum,
Had a chance to resit.
***
I am way more relaxed this week,
And I really Thank God for that:)!
***

Met Nel the team leader for the first time,
She was away on holiday for a week.
Doesn't strike me as a team leader sort,
But I guess I have to see her more in action to understand her role.
***
We went on a tour of the independent flats,
Kaye and me that is.
***
Joined the residents for their morning walk,
Which was a good time of talking with some of them,
And good exercise too:)!
***
After that just spent time with the clients in the flat,
Waiting to go for the second activity,
Which was looking for inspiration for stone sculpting,
Which was actually a good chance for me to look at paintings:p.
***
After returning from that,
We all rushed and got ready for Jacqui's(not Jackie) tenth year of service party.
Its theme was famous five,
And so everyone dressed up in 50's clothes,
quite fun and funny really:p!
***
It was a great time of fun and games,
Good food,
Testimonies for Jacqui,
A story book presentation of Jacqui's time at Stepping stone,
Prayer for Jacqui and her husband,
And just catching up for everyone.
***
Felt real privileged to be there,
And I thank God for the good times I was allowed to have,
Though I still don't fully enjoy parties,
Especially one's I know nobody!
***
Thank God for another exciting day:)!
***
New people I met:
Hayley, who moves around.
Nel, Team Leader for Adult Residential,
And many more people at the party:p!
*****
Day 7, Wednesday(Today) 23 September
***
Woke up very early as usual,
And slept late as usual,
Arrived early as usual!
So had to find a spot to sit down to kill some time!
***
"Helped" Michaela with one of the houses on site home meeting,
And with the doing of their chores on Wednesdays,
Which wasn't so bad,
Because things were already quite clean.
***
Had a great chat with Michaela before the meeting,
Found out she will be at youth next month,
I will miss her!
***
2 reasons:
1) She is nice to work with.
2) She has very beautiful eyes:p! hehe
***
Didn't do much "work" the rest of the day,
Managed to start my portfolio though,
Did my Goals,
1 Reflection,
and 1 HOLISTICASSESSMENT!!!
Woohoo!
***
Finally got one holistic assessment out of the way,
Just one more this week,
And I will only have to worry about them once every week!
Need to start thinking of something to teach a client!
Such a pain...
***
Went to the group activity in the afternoon,
It was to a place called Floyd's,
Where they do all sorts of art and craft.
***
Leather work,
Painting and drawing,
Clay work,
Sewing,
Woodwork.
***
Looks really therapeutic really!
But for me it would be stressful,
I rather do this kinda thing when its just me and the "tutor" to teach.
Maybe one day I will give it a go;)!
***
Some clients really made good stuff,
Like a beautiful leather belt!
Sophea(the social work student) made a mug!
Which means alot,
Especially when you first begin!
***
After that got back and had a nice long time chatting with Sophea,
Got to know him a lot better,
And even got his number,
Its a pity he has to go back to Cambodia!
***
I thank God for a great time so far!
I pray it will continue to be great and get even better:)!
I pray that I will get that portfolio done somehow,
and done well;p!
I also pray that Kay will have a good day tomorrow,
One the is restful,
And one where she can get a good breather!
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen!
***
Lots of things probably missing,
But,
Time to sleep now.
***
Over and out!

Clinical Stage 3 Day 4

Very much less stressed and anxious today,
I guess the "Murphy's Law" day helped to calm nerves.
The fact that I saw the worse,
Made a normal day seem easy.
***
Hand hand over as usual,
at 2.30pm,
Of Course I was early,
And arrived at 2pm.
So I took a longer route just so that I would reach on time.
***
Sent a fax for Steve,
He may end up being my slave driver.
So I will watch out.
***
The Over Dose case is still raging,
right up till just before I left for home today.
Can't and Won't say much.
***
Had a calm day really,
Thank God!
So just did some answering of phone calls and stuff.
***
Had a nice chat with Kaye,
Always nice to have in depth chats.
I think I am close to deciding to go to Harmony church.
We will see.
***
Help one of the client's cook dinner/tea,
It wasn't too bad eh.
He did most of the work,
I just helped with stuff here and there.
And the loved dinner!
So that was good;)!
Thank God!
***
After that We went out on tour,
Checked up on the flats,
To see if the clients were alright,
And pass some of them their meds.
***
After that I played cards with one of the clients,
He taught me how to play a card game,
And we had fun,
Plus I got to know him better.
***
Spent my free times looking at:
Patient's files,
Checking up Medications,
Just trying to learn more information.
***
Going to have a meeting tomorrow,
With my clinical lecturer,
With the rest of the group too I think,
That would be good.
***
I thank God for a great day!
I pray for more great days to come!
I pray that God will continue to guide me during this placement,
That not only will I finish my portfolio and pass this course,
But I will learn more on top of that.
I pray that during this time I will become a stronger,
and more confident person,
And that I will find God's will for me here in New Zealand.
In Jesus' Name I pray,
Amen!
***
Very tired!
May update on saturday for friday!
***
Over and Out!

Clinical Stage 3 Day 3

Today was a very "Murphy's Law(ML)" Day,
Where everything that could go wrong,
Went Wrong.
***
Ok maybe not a ML day for me,
But for my preceptor Kaye.
Lets start from the beginning.
***
First I will say today was my first PM shift.
Which basically means it was my first afternoon shift,
Which usually runs from around 3pm till 11pm,
However my placements runs roughly 2.30pm till 11pm.
***
Got to sleep in,
But was woken up an hour earlier then expected,
To help out with the kids.
***
After having a lunch at home,
Renee sent me to placement,
Because she was going to see the doctor at around 2pm.
***
I was dropped off at 1.10pm,
At the HQ for a Team meeting.
The meeting started at 1.30pm.
***
Went in early and went to wait in the meeting room,
Had a great chat with a social work degree student Melissa,
Always nice to have a good chat with people:)!
***
Finally Kaye and everyone else came,
And so we had the Team meeting.
Basically the Team talked about any issues anyone has,
Certain Clients' cases, policies, procedures, etc...
***
Along with the issue discussion,
Today we had Cultural Supervision,
So that was interesting in one way,
But kinda boring in another.
I did already have a 3 day Treaty workshop early this sem!!!
***
After that we went back and did handover again,
I notice that there are considerably less staff at night!
I wonder how they handle the stuff with just 2 people!
***
After handover,
We went to one of the Client's house,
To do a check up,
And to pass meds for pain.
***
From here all of you must be wondering?
What's so bad so far?
***
Well once we came back,
We(me and my preceptor) thought that it was going to be a calm night,
However we were wrong.
***
I can't say much due to confidentiality,
But I will mention events with just some words.
***
Prescription Fraud,
Over dose,
Self Harm,
Alcohol/drug abuse,
And a client's house robbed.
***
All this resulted in:
2 people going to hospital,
2 warning letters,
And lots of stress and action.
***
What a way to start a day,
That was to be my first real day at "work".
***
I really felt helpless,
Because I didn't know what to do,
Plus I didn't have the power to do much.
Yet in all the rush and madness that took ages to solve,
There was a calmness which I never expected to be there.
***
Once things settled down,
We went to the flat that Kaye is in-charge of,
Did a fire drill,
And Had a flat meeting.
***
They have a real nice flat!
Plus it actually seems like a nice bunch to be with!
So that was good;)!
***
I must say it was nice to meet Michaela(the other pm staff),
And Kaye really reminds me of Lucie!
LOL!
Over all it turned out to be another great day,
After a 3rd time of worrying so much!
So I thank God so much:)!
***
I pray that God will continue to be with me,
That He will continue to guide my path.
That God will help me have a great time at this placement,
That He will help me make many great friends during this placement.
I pray that I at the end of this,
Will not only clear my portfolio,
But I will learn a lot from this,
And become a better person.
In Jesus' Name I pray,
Amen!
***
Over and out!

Clinical Stage 3 Day 2

I still can't get around the fact that my work place is a house(2 nice houses actually),
I guess this is what community nursing is all about.
I wonder why I bothered to volunteer?
I never intended to do community nursing in the first place.
God what are you doing?
***
Very nervous again,
But this time I decided to walk in faith,
Somehow I will get through the day!
Just like how God always pulls me through;)!
***
Got there way too early though!!!
7.00 is half an hour too early!
So i walked around a little bit to kill time.
***
Even with the killing of time,
I still got there 7.20am...
Luckily as I was walking out Jackie came.
***
She is the one that gave me the feeling that I may become used,
But she actually is quite nice.
***
She did get me to bring in the rubbish bins,
But thats nothing.
***
She nicely showed me around,
And introduced me to people,
Including the clients in "her" house.
***
Met lots of staff,
Hopefully I will be able to make great friendships over the time here.
***
Once again I attended a staff meeting,
Kinda weird hearing about clients and not knowing their names.
But sure a lot happens in this placement,
Its going to be exciting and scary.
***
One of the clients came in with her hand bleeding,
I felt helpless even though I am first aid trained.
I thought Jackie was a Nurse,
But she is just a social worker,
So I tried my best to get the wound covered up,
The client seemed to know a lot more than me really!
Need to buck up on my knowledge of wound care stuff.
***
Spent the next hour or so pretending to be busy,
And also getting to know Sophea(dunno how to spell his name) and Kelley.
***
S(for spelling reasons) is from Cambodia,
Doing his social work masters in canterbury.
So he is a student too!!!
Real nice guy:)!
***
Kelley is a RN,
She graduated 2 years ago from CPIT,
Real nice to have her around.
A real friend person,
And cheerful too.
***
So we went to do conservation on the Port hills today!
Which actually very therapeutic,
And though it was hard work,
It really calmed my nervous.
Nothing like hard work to get me focused!
***
Got to know some of the clients!
Which is always good.
***
The conservation work was to help clear the grass
And weeds that grow around the young seedlings,
That were planted a few months back,
And to give them a chance to survive.
I am no green fingered person,
But I will say I enjoyed being out in the sun,
And doing some good for nature.
***
It is conservation week if you wanted to know.
***
After an hour of doing that,
We tracked back to the vans,
and had our lunch.
***
Once again I didn't bring lunch,
And S was nice enough to offer me a muesli bar!
Such a nice man:)!
So I offered him a cookie in return;)!
***
Had a great chat with Kelley,
About church and who we are, music etc,
Real good chat really.
I am now considering going to her church on sundays:p!
hehe.
***
After that we had a drive along the bays outside/around Christchurch,
Real beautiful scenery!
But kept dozing off in the van!
Army trained me too well:p!
***
I though about why I was so afraid of mental health,
And I finally realized that,
I actually saw my clients on the same level of criminals,
Or people with infectious disease or something similar.
***
I am so horrible aren't I?
But that is the stigma I have about something I really have little knowledge about.
Maybe it is the Singaporean culture I was brought up in?
Maybe I wasn't exposed enough to it?
Maybe I just fear the unknown?
But I still want to overcome this stigma!
***
God please help me change my mindset,
and help me to love them the same as I would anyone else,
Or Love them the way they need!
***
But overall I had a great day,
even though I was so scared of everything.
So I really Thank God for the great day!
***
Tomorrow will be my first real day!
So I pray that God will continue to guide my hand and path!
I pray that He will help me to continue to have a good time,
That I will learn lots,
And that I will become a better person out of all of this!
Finally I pray that God will help me get that portfolio done!
***
Mental Health interests me,
But yet scares the hell out of me!
***
Over and Out!

Clinical Stage 3 Day 1

Felt real excited,
Yet very very scared/nervous/anxious as well!
***
Woke up on time(5.30am),
did everything right,
But still missed my bus
***
Thought I forgot my name badge,
Only to find it in my wallet,
And see the bus drive by
***
Caught the Metro,
to try and catch that bus.
But still missed it by a bit!
Double blow!
***
Caught the next bus though,
and even thought I texted Talia I may be late,
Still arrived 5 minutes early!
***
Talia is such an enthusiastic person!
What's more she is very nice to talk to,
And very into God.
Some qualities I will add to my"wife must have list":p.
She is engaged just for your info.
***
Ces(i think its that) is such a wonderful person,
Even though her mother in law passed away,
she still came to make sure we were all alright
***
I love how they start the day with prayer/devotion,
Its just such a great thing to do!
***
Youth residential looks like an interesting challenge,
One I wouldn't have minded doing,
ah well,
Maybe I will get a shift there?
We will see.
***
Met up with the other 2,
Katie and Hannah,
At Adult Respite,
to meet Mary Lou(ML, i think that's how its spelt).
Another lady who sacrificed her time for us!
***
I must say that Adult respite seemed more intense then youth residential,
but I guess its just a different kind of stress.
***
ML then took us around to all the rest of the services,
Which was real good to see all the different parts of the organization.
It really was like the different parts of the body of Christ.
***
Went for lunch at Hannah's,
Which was awesome!
I'm really bad at accepting people's help or generosity.
Must learn how to be more gracious.
Courtesy can't always cover up this that is lacking!
***
If you ever read my blog Hannah,
Thank you so much:)!
***
Nevertheless the bread was good,
So too the yogurt:)!
And she has an awesome house!
***
Did some policy reading after lunch,
the task was a bore,
but it was nice to get to know my new clinical mates a little better,
especially Katie and Talia.
***
After that we went to see the administration block,
And talk to the CSW person,
But by then I was over loaded,
Still nice to see where all the paper work was done though.
***
Finally we went to see my placement,
I have a very strange feeling about the place.
like either I am going to have a great placement,
exciting and a great time of learning,
Or they were going to use me to do their work...
***
I felt overall that there were many great people around!
There were so gracious,
especially people like ML and Ces.
Which is such a comfort and great thing to see!
Its was also great to see people who still have passion even after years of service,
And new people who just starting to fulfill their passion!
I pray that God will put the right "great" person in my path to guide me!
***
I pray that God will help me have a great 7 weeks of clinical!
That I will have a great time,
And That I will learn lots,
And overcome any and all perceptions I have about mental health!
***
I pray that God will send the right people into my path,
That the will impact me in the way He intended,
And I impact them in the way He intended too.
That I will grow in great confidence,
And become not only a better nurse,
But also a better person!
AMEN!
***
Off to bed now,
Have conservation work to do tomorrow,
Its conservation week here in New Zealand,
I pray that I can bond with the clients and staff alike!
I also pray for our safety and journey mercies!
***
Over and Out!

Quote

"So the lights around slowly fade into the background, allowing the darkness to creep up all around... Suddenly like the light from the sun, His Glory appears and once again there is hope... 'Rise up and shine forth, ye faithful soldier!' "

-Me, but i borrowed some words from one of Hillsongs new song's, His Glory Appears(plus a Bible verse here or there;p).

***

I thought my first semester's losses(in terms of friends) were bad, but last semester's were even worse. My best friend in Christchurch failed his HW or Health and Wellness paper and so he will be stuck in year 1 part B while I move on to year 2 part A. To add to that, Annie(another good friend) also fell at the HW hurdle, plus Grace stopped studying this semester so that she can concentrate on her pregnancy(which I am very excited about for her:)!!!).

This means I have lost not only more friends, but 3 of my closest friends. People I would share nearly anything with, joke around, look forward to see in school, just people you really want beside you as you go through the hurdles of university life. I'm not saying I don't have many friends, but I guess now I have to strengthen more friendships. Being a friend is one thing, being a close friend is another(being a best friend is another).

But yet as these lights(my friends) move into the a backgroud role, I guess this its now either make or break. Either I rise up and meet what I feel is m destiny, or fail miserably to fight against the torrent of what I call, a delusional dream. Yet I still believe this is what God has called me to!

So even though I lose those beside me, all the more I have to carry on fighting for their honour. To honour them for all the help, support and encouragement they have given me thus far! Even though I fear, I know that God is with me.

That He is with me, that He is at the bottom to catch me, and that I have the faith to see this come to pass! Because He is with me, His glory shines from within me, and so I must continue to shine for Him! And even though I sin and let Him down in many ways, He still looks at me and says "Rise up and Shine forth, ye faithful soldier!"

So I will carry on fighting for Him in whatever way I can!

God bless,
Charles.

CLinical Stage 2 Day 14

Sorry this is 2 days late,
Was real tired,
And busy preparing for Singapore!
***
Anyway I shall blog about placement as I usually do.
Here goes:
***
Woke up a little late!
So had to take the Metrostar instead of 13,
And so had to walk a longer distance....
***
Its not too bad a walk on a good day,
But it was freezing!
Thank God the sliding doors were open!
***
The entrance has two automatic doors,
And the previous 2 days at least one of the 2 doors were closed!
So I was left to freeze outside and wait for someone to open the door!
***
Anyway it was our last day of clinical for first year today!
Didn't feel like doing any work...
***
Took my time to leave our room,
So I missed giving out breakfast:p!
I am so lazy!
***
Took me a long time to get my client ready again!
He has lots of things that must be done certain ways!
But its okay,
Its his last day of pampering from me!
So I won't complain about it:)!
***
Received back our summative forms today.
Nothing special about it I guess,
Sue passed us,
So that officially made us year 2's!
***
Brought my camera in!
So that I could take pictures of everyone.
***
Managed to get lots of great photos of everyone:)!
Lots of fun photos!
Will put them up when I have time and energy!
***
Managed to get a picture of my client too!
But that will be kept to myself:p!
***
Its quite sad to leave that place,
Even though it has only been 14 days(17 if you include the 3 half days),
I really had a great time at placement!
I think I had a great group!
Really thankful that God placed me in this group:)!
***
The management of the facility gave us chocolates as a Thank You gift.
Ferrero Rocher:)!!!
Such a nice gift!
***
Before I left I went to say good bye to my client,
He gave me a handshake.
Nancy was there changing him,
She gave me a farewell hug!
I will miss the place somehow:(!
***
So thankful that God placed me there!
If not I think I could have easily given a whole different clinical placement,
Which would have deterred me from continuing on as a nurse.
Thank God for such a wonderful first year!
***
Went home,
Mentally planning to cook early,
So that I could get ready to go for the end of year 1 party.
***
Was actually quite excited to go!!!
***
Then HW results came out,
I got 69.
Which is a cool result.
Not real happy about it,
But I am satisfied.
***
So I thought it's a 70% chance I am going for the party.
Only disaster could stop me from going now.
***
Then disaster struck,
Chris failed his HW paper badly.
Not even good enough for a resit.
:( :( :(
***
70% turned to 0%
I don't celebrate when a friend can't celebrate with me.
Plus he wasn't going so I wasn't going.
Plus I suddenly thought:
"If he isn't going to to year 2 with me, I don't feel like continuing either!"
***
I do know loads of people in the cohort,
But whenever Chris bunks school,
I feel extra lonely.
So not fun...
***
I know I am a loner...
***
"Those in the ninja world who break the rules and regulations are called filth, but those who don't care about their companions... are even lower than filth."
That quote instantly came to my head for 2 reasons.
1) People let the cat out of the bag about other placements leaving early.
2) Celebrating without Chris would make me feel lower than filth...
***
Well I didn't go in the end,
But from the photos it looked like loads of my class went(even ex-classmates).
Felt left out as usual.
***
Ah well there will always be an end of 2nd year party,
And an end of 3rd year party:p!
***
OK I NEED TO SLEEP BECAUSE I AM GOING HOME LATER TODAY!!!!
***
Over and Out!